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PRESIDENT RUTO FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF EMALI–UKIA ROAD

The long-neglected Emali–Ukia Road is finally set for a major facelift after President William Ruto today launched its first phase of reconstruction, marking a significant milestone in Makueni County’s infrastructure development.

The initial 20-kilometer stretch from Emali to Matiliku will be upgraded under the project, which aims to transform the rough, corrugated road into a reliable transport corridor that will boost local business and agricultural trade across the region.

In addition to the road works, the Head of State also addressed land ownership concerns by issuing 2,000 title deeds to beneficiaries from Emali Block 3 (Kinyoo) and Kibwezi/Syumile Settlement Scheme, resolving long-standing land disputes in the area.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who accompanied the President during his Ukambani development tour, welcomed the projects, describing them as a “major economic breakthrough” for the region. He, however, appealed to the national government to speed up the issuance of 6,000 more title deeds and upgrade Makindu Level 5 Hospital into a National Trauma Centre to handle frequent accidents along the busy Mombasa Road.

The Emali–Ukia Road upgrade is expected to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and spur overall economic growth in Makueni once completed.

President Kenyatta commends Makueni’s Value Addition initiatives

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday lauded Makueni for its life changing value addition initiatives geared towards uplifting the standards of living for its citizens.

The president was awestruck by the County’s empowerment programmes aimed at wealth creation when he visited its exhibition booth at the 2019 Devolution Conference, staged at Kirinyaga University.

The head of state purchased carvings worth Ksh 30,000 from Makueni exhibitors.

Kenyatta was hosted at the Makueni booth by Governor Kivutha Kibwana alongside the county exhibitors.

PRESERVING HERITAGE, SUSTAINING CULTURE AND INSPIRING GROWTH

Indigenous knowledge [I.K] plays a crucial role in preserving culture in the country by safeguarding traditional practices, languages and customs passed down through generations.

I.K encompasses wisdom in agriculture, medicine, storytelling and rituals that define a community’s identity.

By integrating I.K into education and conservation efforts, the government ensures the continuity of the community’s heritage while promoting sustainable development.

The County Government of Makueni, in partnership with the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through its Natural Products Industry (NPI) Program, on Tuesday held a consultative forum with registered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in the Indigenous Knowledge Documentation and Digitization (IK DoDi) Project.

The sensitization forum was aimed to prepare participants for an upcoming investment conference and trade fair, where participants will showcase documented and prioritized indigenous knowledge-based assets and products in Makueni.

The forthcoming conference, themed Heritage-Based Enterprises, aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) will serve as a platform to connect exhibitors with potential investors and partners for product development and commercialization.

Speaking at the forum, the CECM for Trade, Marketing, Industry, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Sonia Nzilani, highlighted that the Heritage-Based Enterprise agenda seeks to empower local communities, promote tourism and enhance education on Kenya’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

“By leveraging indigenous knowledge and traditional practices, this initiative aims to create economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity of the Akamba,” said Dr. Nzilani.

The program specifically targets registered CBOs engaged in income-generating activities, recognizing the crucial role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable economic development.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief Officer Dr. Jossylyn Nzilani, NMK’s Patrick Maundu and Director of Culture Mutua Mulonzya.

Powering Makueni

Makueni is set to benefit from an enticing renewable energy deal that will drive its industrial vision sustainably.

The deal involves setup of a LED lighting project in the county in a tripartite Public-Private-Partnership agreement bringing together the government (Makueni County), the private sector (SOLAFRIQUE, a limited company) and the academia (Strathmore University and Lukenya University).

The five-year deal was signed on Tuesday at Strathmore Business School by Governor Kivutha Kibwana, senator Sylvia Kasanga of Lukenya University, Solafrique Chief Executive Officer Lois Gicheru and Hildah Mugire, Vice Dean, Academic and Student Affairs-Strathmore University.

With support from the two universities and the county government, Solafrique will setup the LED lighting project in the county; Light of towns and streets within Makueni County with products from the plant; Design and installation of energy efficient solutions in all public institutions in Makueni County.

This includes but is not limited to installing LED bulbs in the institutions and installing off grid or on grid solar systems; Provision of Jobs for youth; and Provision of energy efficient solutions.

Lukenya University will provide site for the LED lighting project; offer its campus to be used for training purposes; Provide training site for energy-water-food nexus solutions; and assist Makueni County Government in the development of a skill based curriculum.

On its part, Strathmore University will assist in development of a county energy plan; Development of county policy and law on energy; Training of county managers on energy matters and technical and non-technical training to officers and training of ToTs.

The University will also offer technical guidance on establishment of a renewable energy centre for the county; Training of technical training institutions within the county on renewable energy courses; Research on renewable energy and efficient energy solutions in the county; and carry out a County Energy Audit.

POULTRY FARMERS TRAINING WORKSHOP

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development has launched a two-day training workshop specifically tailored for lead poultry farmers. The workshop is designed to equip these farmers with practical skills and knowledge aimed at enhancing poultry production. The training covers essential topics such as poultry disease management, housing, incubation, and hatching, all of which are critical to successful poultry farming.

During the workshop, Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives Development, Japtheth Kiminza, highlighted the importance of adopting the cooperative model across all agricultural value chains. He emphasized that the National Agriculture Value Chain Development Program (NAVCDP) supports this model, which allows farmers to pool resources, reduce costs, increase bargaining power, and improve access to markets, training, and other vital services.

The event was also graced by the presence of the Director of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. David Musyoki, Project Coordinator Paul Musyimi, and County Community Institutions Development Officer Roselyne Mumbua.

Poland ready to work with counties to support development: Diplomat

Polish ambassador to Kenya Jacek Bażański has said his country is ready to partner with county governments to support specific programs tailored to benefit the people economically.

Mr Bażański who was hosted in Makueni County on Friday by Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana said his country is ready to partner with the county to support various development projects directly and when necessary.

“We want a concrete relationship with your county in various sectors including the  housing sector among others,”Mr Bażański said in Wote Town when he called on the governor.

The diplomat said that Poland is a major producer of fruits and therefore could work well with Makueni County to develop the local fruit farming industry.

Said the ambassador:”Poland is a major fruits producer .We have lots of apples but unfortunately we don’t do mangoes.”

Prof Kibwana said that his county is willing to cooperate with Poland in any partnership deal that would support pro-people projects.

He said the county was particularly interested in deals that can support youth empowerment.

“We are in the process of establishing our own version of a youth service to be known as Makueni County Youth Service  which will be run by young people themselves so as to create  a hub for opportunities for young people in the county,”Prof Kibwana said.

He regretted that though the NYS idea was noble it has been derailed by corrupt networks taking advantage of an institution that could be used to make good use of extra energy in the country’s young people.

The governor said the Makueni Concept of a youth service will be an improvement of the National Youth Service currently dogged with corruption.

He said the service will be used to seek opportunities for over 350,000 young people in the county that will include business deals among others.

Nominated MP Silvia Kasanga welcomed Polond’s interest in working with counties directly saying that the peripheral governments that have displayed high levels of intergrity and transparency in management of public resources like Makueni,  deserve direct  donor attention.

Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo who was also present at the event said he will support initiatives by the Polish government to provide  support to the county.

“This is a good relationship and we will support any form of cooperation meant to spur economic development in our county,”Mr Maanzo said.

Planning of Makindu Town Kicks Off.

The department of Lands and Urban Planning has kicked off planning of Makindu town to among others enhance streamlined development; increase the town’s investment attractiveness as well as protect public land which has allegedly been heavily grabbed or encroached. 
 
The planning exercise will also ensure the 5,050 plot owners receive title deeds for their allotments. Out of the 5,050 plots within the planning area, only two have title deeds since the last planning of 1978.
 
The planning exercise begun with a stakeholder engagement forum to acknowledge the planning needs of the community at Makindu town Wednesday 12th April 2023.
 
Lands Executive Committee Member Dr. Sonia Nzilani who led the stakeholder engagement forum also unveiled a consultant who will lead the process.

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

The department of Health Services in collaboration with Rotary Club Magharibi, Surgical Society of Kenya and other partners will hold a one week free surgical camp from 21st to 25th October 2024.

In preparation for the camp patients will be asked to visit their nearest Subcounty hospital for Screening. Screening will be done at all Subcounty hospitals and patients will be referred to MCRH and Makindu For further analysis and registration on the clinic days as shown below.

You are required to keep a register of all patients screened for the camp as well as those referred with details such as: Name, Phone number, Next of Kin and their phone number, Diagnosis, Facility referred to.

*Specialist Clinic days at MCRH*

General surgeon – Tuesdays

ENT Surgeon – Tuesdays

Orthopaedic surgeon – Tuesdays

Eye surgeon – Mondays and Wednesdays

Neurosurgeon – Mondays

*Special clinic days Makindu SCH*

Orthopedic clinic – Mondays